Impact safety pad for trampoline

ABSTRACT

A trampoline has a safety bag that prevents a user from damaging a pole to which the safety bag is attached, or to a safety system comprising an enclosure wall or net for the trampoline; and a safety device where the weight may be distributed. The safety bag is multi-adjustable for density, firmness, and weight at different contact locations on the safety bag through internal adaptations, and the safety bag is additionally able to absorb contact and impact force in a manner that disperses and distributes impact energy in a manner protecting the user from unwanted contact or injury with the trampoline, and to reduce unwanted movement of the trampoline to weakened ground contact.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/179,953, filed Jun.10, 2016, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/050,458,filed Feb. 22, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 14/843,752, filed Sep. 2, 2015, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 14/664,802, filed Mar. 20, 2015, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/968,339, filed Mar. 20,2014, all of which applications are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Disclosed is a safety device that provides protection from impactsagainst a trampoline enclosure and its support members or poles; as wellas reducing to some degree, the incidence of trampoline tipping or tipover. Also, disclosed are safety impact bags or pads that may beutilized with any trampoline capable of having an enclosure with supportmembers or poles for that enclosure. Also disclosed is a safety pad thatmay be utilized with a trampoline capable of having a pole or othersupport member attached to the trampoline and extending above the jumpsurface. Also disclosed is a safety pad that may be employed between atleast two poles or support members, with or without an enclosure whichprovides improved safety and impact absorption when a person impacts orotherwise contacts the safety pad. Disclosed is an impact safety padthat, upon impact, helps shift some of the impact force more downwardthan otherwise would occur, which helps prevent unwanted tipping of thetrampoline, as well as increasing more weight and/or force inward towarda point of the trampoline within its perimeter. This effect increasesthe higher the impact point on the safety pad occurs above thetrampoline surface. For the safety pad to be useful and to provide aminimal best protection to an impacting user, at least 50% of the volumeof the bag needs to lie within the perimeter of the trampoline, ortrampoline frame rail that supports the jump surface. This is becausemore of the pad volume of material needs to be in front of the enclosurepole such that it can absorb any impacts by a user without the userinadvertently striking the pole, and so the user has the minimum safecoverage for protection.

The above and other effects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a sphere bladder filled impact safetybag.

FIG. 1B is a cross section side view of a sphere bladder filled impactsafety bag.

FIG. 1C is an exploded isometric view of a sphere bladder filled impactsafety bag.

FIG. 1D is an isometric view of a disc bladder filled impact safety bag.

FIG. 1E is a cross section side view of a disc bladder filled impactsafety bag.

FIG. 1F is an exploded isometric view of a disc bladder filled impactsafety bag.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an impact safety bag bladder.

FIG. 2B is a front view of an impact safety bag bladder.

FIG. 2C is a side cross section view of an impact safety bag bladderthat is 1/3 full of liquid.

FIG. 2D is a side cross section view of an impact safety bag bladderthat is 2/3 full of liquid.

FIG. 2E is a side cross section view of an impact safety bag bladderthat has no liquid.

FIG. 3A is an upper view of a trampoline with an impact safety baginstalled.

FIG. 3B is a close up upper view of a connection of an impact safety bagto the trampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 3C is a side view of a trampoline enclosure pole configured toattach an impact safety bag using an eye hook.

FIG. 3D is an exploded view of a trampoline enclosure pole configured toattach an impact safety bag using an eye hook.

FIG. 4A is a close up upper view of a connection of an impact safety bagto a trampoline enclosure pole with a support plate.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a trampoline enclosure pole configured toattach an impact safety bag using an eye hook with a support plate.

FIG. 4C is an exploded view of a trampoline enclosure pole configured toattach an impact safety bag using an eye hook with a support plate.

FIG. 5A is a close up upper view of an impact safety bag attached to atrampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 5B is a close up side view of an impact safety bag attached to atrampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 5C is a top view showing an impact safety bag attached to atrampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 6A is a lower isometric view of an impact safety bag with drainageholes.

FIG. 6B is a lower isometric view of an impact safety bag with a webbingcross bottom.

FIG. 6C is a lower isometric view of an impact safety bag with a meshbottom.

FIG. 7A is an upper view of a trampoline with a fabric hook impactsafety bag installed.

FIG. 7B is a close up upper view of the connection between a fabric hookimpact safety bag attached to a trampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 7C is a close up exploded upper view of a fabric hook impact safetybag attached to a trampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 7D is a side exploded view of a fabric hook impact safety bagattached to a trampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 8A is an upper view of a fabric enclosed impact safety bag attachedto a trampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 8B is a side view of a fabric enclosed impact safety bag attachedto a trampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 8C is a top view of a fabric enclosed impact safety bag attached toa 10 trampoline enclosure pole.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a hooded impact safety bag.

FIG. 9B is a cross section side view of a hooded impact safety bag.

FIG. 9C is an isometric exploded view of a hooded impact safety bag.

FIG. 9D is a side view of a top flap impact safety bag. 15

FIG. 9E is a side cross section view of a top flap impact safety bag.

FIG. 9F is a close up side cross section view of a top flap impactsafety bag.

FIG. 9G is an isometric view of a top flap impact safety bag.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a concentric bladder impact safety bag. 20

FIG. 10B is a side cross section view of a concentric bladder impactsafety bag.

FIG. 10C is a top cross section view of a concentric bladder impactsafety bag.

FIG. 10D is a front view of an internally sectioned impact safety bag.

FIG. 10E is a side cross section view of an internally sectioned impactsafety bag.

FIG. 10F is a top cross section view of an internally sectioned impactsafety bag.

FIG. 10G is a front view of a tube chambered impact safety bag.

FIG. 10H is a side cross section view of a tube chambered impact safetybag.

FIG. 10I is a top cross section view of a tube chambered impact safetybag.

FIG. 10J is a front view of a sphere filled impact safety bag.

FIG. 10K is a side cross section view of a sphere bladder filled impactsafety bag.

FIG. 10L is a top cross section view of a sphere bladder filled impactsafety bag.

FIG. 11A is an upper view of an impact safety bag attached to atrampoline enclosure pole with a D pad in between them.

FIG. 11B is a side view of an impact safety bag attached to a trampolineenclosure pole with a D pad in between them.

FIG. 11C is an upper view of an impact safety bag attached to atrampoline enclosure pole with a contoured pad in between them.

FIG. 11D is a side view of an impact safety bag attached to a trampolineenclosure pole with a contoured pad in between them.

FIG. 11E is a top view of an impact safety bag attached to a trampolineenclosure pole with a D pad in between them.

FIG. 11F is a top view of an impact safety bag attached to a trampolineenclosure pole with a contoured pad in between them.

FIG. 12A is a top view of a contact safety pad attached to a trampoline.

FIG. 12B is a top view of a contoured contact safety pad attached to anenclosure pole.

FIG. 12C is a top view showing a contoured contact safety pad thatattaches to an enclosure pole with a strap.

FIG. 13A is a top view of a person facing a safety pad mounted to apole.

FIG. 13B is a top view of a person impacting a safety pad mounted to apole.

FIG. 13C is a top view of a person being redirected or rotated around apole when impacting the pole mounted safety pad.

FIG. 13D is a top view of a user being redirected away from an impactwith a pole.

FIG. 14A an isometric view of a safety bag coupled to a multidirectional swivel and pivoting crank mechanism and its componentsattached to a vertical enclosure pole of a trampoline.

FIG. 14B shows a safety bag suspended between two vertical supportmembers.

FIG. 14C shows a bag with insertable extensions for additional impactsurfaces extending from the bag.

FIG. 15 shows an alternative design where a bag is suspended between twovertical support members without being coupled to the top of the poles.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative device designed to receive intentionalimpacts only.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative safety pad attached to the top of the netwall covering a vertical pole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Trampoline systems typically have a rebounding surface and a frame thatsuspends the rebounding surface above the ground. Such trampolinesystems often also have a safety enclosure wall that comprises anexpanse of flexible material that is coupled to the vertical supportmembers and arranged to define a jumping chamber.

Described herein are trampoline systems that have a safety padpositioned such that at least 50% of the volume of the safety pad islocated inwardly of the frame as viewed from the top. Such devices mayfunction with, or without, a net or enclosure wall being employed.However, employment of a net wall maximizes the benefits of the design.Such trampolines are generally greater than 4-5 feet in diameter, andgenerally greater than 24 inches above the ground surface.

For the purposes of this disclosure, a “pole” is any support member thatis attached to the trampoline and extends above the trampoline surface.The pole may be tubular in shape or as solid bar. The surface of thepole may be cylindrical, with the cross-section of the cylinder being acircle, being a regular or irregular polygon such as a square, octagonor the like that is suitable to perform the same function of supportinga net or wall encompassing the trampoline surface. The poles must besufficiently rigid to be, along with any attached structural members,self-supporting and able to support the weight of the adjacent enclosurewall and any other attachments. The enclosure wall may be additionallysupported by one or more rigid members that extend horizontally betweenthe tops of the vertical support poles. It will generally be of a heightat least equal to the total length of the attached safety pad and itscoupling members. The height of the poles may vary, but are generallyless than 8 feet above the rebounding surface of the trampoline. Theflexural rigidity may vary, and as such, the weight of the safety padwill need to be lighter in weight to account for increasing flex of thevertical support members. The flimsiest or most flexible enclosure polesthat are usable should be greater than 12,000 pounds-incĥ2. The verticalbag length may vary, but should be at least two feet to the length ofthe pole itself so long as the pad can rotate or move to some degree inorder to help redirect a user who impacts it.

The conditions within a trampoline jumping surface and enclosure areutterly unique compared to suspending a bag next to a wall or groundsecured barrier. The activity on trampoline is fluid, three dimensional,where the bouncing of a user can send them in different directions uponeach separate impact or jump.

Disclosed herein is multi-density adjustable safety bag or pad where theinternal mass, weight, or density can be modified or changed to adapt tointended or unintended impact, and provide for increased safety of atrampoline user. The pad or bag (which are interchangeable terms for thepurposes of this disclosure) may be of any three-dimensional shape orpolyhedral or non-polyhedral shapes, and the drawings are not intendedto limit the shape or external proportions of the pad or bag. The bagmay also be referred to as a “bladder” to descriptively identify the bagas capable of internal spaces or containers within that are heldtogether within a bag like or pad container. Additionally, the smallerinternal containers may also be referred to as bladders. The internalbladders may be of any shape that can be adapted to fill the safety pad.Depending upon the ratio of liquid versus air filled internals; othershapes will still alter and thus conform internally, e.g. FIG. 1B, 105.

Disclosed is a system that comprises a trampoline including a reboundingsurface supported by a perimeter frame or rail. A support member, suchas a tubular support member, is attached to the trampoline and extendsto an elevation above the rebounding surface. A safety pad is attachedto the support member, that is at least 2 feet in height, and that is atleast 3 times wider than the support member; the safety pad beingpositioned such that at least 50 percent of the volume of the safety padis located inwardly of the support member such that, upon impact by auser, the safety pad partially revolves around the support member andlaterally redirects the user. The pad should be at least three timeswider or three times bigger in diameter than the supporting pole toprotect the user from impacting the pole when impacting the safety padfrom the side or from the front. Diameters that are smaller than thisallow an impacting body or body part of a user to more likely strike orcontact the pole during more severe impacts. These are the same reasonswhy at least 50% of the volume of the pad should be positioned withinthe frame perimeter as viewed from the top. Because it is more difficultto hit a pad while bouncing on a rebounding surface, the minimum safeheight of the pad should be 2 feet to prevent missed impacts to that padfrom landing directly on the support member. Through trial testing wehave found that a minimum of 2 feet in height provides a minimum targetsize necessary to allow the vast majority of intended impacts to land onthe pad. To assure that nearly all intended impacts land on the pad the,the pad would preferably be 3-5 feet in height. For the most protection,the pad is at least as tall as the portion of the support member abovethe jump surface.

Also disclosed is the previously described structure wherein a safetypad is positioned at a location between two support members, or poles.The safety pad is suspended from either a rigid horizontal member, orsuspended from a non-rigid or flexible member like a taught strap, suchthat it prevents impact against the wall of the enclosure and may helpto reduce overall tipping of the trampoline and enclosure structure. Itshould be apparent that when a non-rigid support member is utilized, thesafety bag may descend to some degree such that the flexible bagsupports that are supported by the vertical poles (directly orindirectly) can show a “V” form, where the member descends at an angleto the connection point(s) on the safety bag. Rigid members willmaintain their horizontal orientation as they extend from upper polearea to upper pole area. Indirectly coupled poles simply anticipate thatsome trampoline enclosures may be configured such that the verticalsupport members or poles reside outside of the enclosure wall. In suchcases, the safety pad may require an additional segment of material oran additional member to permit the pole to help support, at least inpart, the weight of the bag, while still being able to hang fully withinthe enclosure wall.

Because it protects against net impacts and not impacts against asupporting tubular member or pole, the dimensions of the pad may be of asmaller diameter, but will still have at least 50% of its volume locatedinwardly of the frame rail of the trampoline, as viewed from above.Another way to describe this is to say that at least 50% of the volumeof the pad is located within a region defined by a cylinder extendingvertically from the frame rail of the trampoline.

Disclosed are spheres, and disks, that contain a gas or liquid, or both;but can include other shapes not shown in the drawings, which alsoperform the same function as those shown in the drawings, so long asthese other shapes conform internally in a similar manner as that shownin the drawings.

The terms, pad, bladder or bag mean the same thing for purposes of thisdisclosure, and the terms are interchangeable to discuss the discloseddevice. Disclosed is a safety pad that deflects a user from contact withany kind of support member or pole or other mechanism holding said bag.Such impacts or contacts may be intentional or unintentional on a user'spart. The support member or pole may be located as part of, or adjacentto, a trampoline enclosure such that a user of the trampoline my contactthe bag in some manner while on the trampoline. This pad device whileserving primarily as a safety bag, additionally is and concurrentlyusable as a striking bag capable of receiving impacts from one or moreusers while on a trampoline.

The design of the safety bag has many benefits not currently availablefor trampoline use. The safety bag contains bladders which arereplaceable in the event of damage, compression, or added to or reduced,to affect the performance characteristics of the bag in response toimpacts. The bladders may be spheres, disks, or other three-dimensionalshapes or polyhedral or non-polyhedral spheres and shapes. The bladdersmay be filled with various mediums such as liquids of variousviscosities, and gases, to alter the performance characteristics. Theviscosity of the liquid contained or introduced into the bladders mayvary from low viscosity like water for example, to liquids of higherviscosity, like silicone for example. The liquid may be composed ofother substances such as solid fillers of various granularity or sizes,and can be harder or softer; and the gas filling can be of differenttypes of gases, but typically air. By using different gases and liquids,the density, weight, and impact response can vary according to a desiredresult. Additionally, various densities of foams and the like may beutilized, such that a bladder may be “solid” in that it will not containa liquid or gas, but instead is a compressible material thatsubstantially returns to its original shape after impact.

Another way to vary these factors is to alter the form of the internalbladders. For example, bladders may be stacked within the safety bagsuch that the changes in impact response of the safety pad varieslinearly top to bottom or bottom to top of the bag, FIG. 1C, FIG. 1E.Instead of a linear configuration, the internal bladders may beconfigured concentrically, like that of tree rings, FIG. 10C; or can beconfigured as longer linear tubes that are adjacent to each other, FIG.10E, 10F and 10H, 10I. In each configuration, the density andcomposition of each bag may vary. Additionally, the impact responsecharacteristics vary. For example, a longer linear oriented tube bladder10E will result in consistent impact response along the entire length,as that bladder, whereas an impact to an adjacent bladder can be made tovary the response by altering the adjacent bladders internalcomposition. In another example, a concentric internal bladder system10C will not be affected by different impact locations adjacent to afirst impact location. But, by varying the internal composition of theconcentric rings, the total impact response can be altered butconsistent along all impact locations. Thus, an inner ring bladder maybe firm, one filled only with air, and another bladder formed of a solidsuch as foam.

In another example, simple spheres, FIG. 10K, (or otherthree-dimensional shapes) may be utilized to provide even more internalvariations and bladder configurations (gas, liquid or both) tosubstantially vary the impact response of the safety pad at everydifferent potential impact location on the safety pad by a user. If auser wanted to throw strikes or punches, such adaptability as previouslydescribed, will allow a different impact response from a kick down lowon the pad, versus that of a hand strike up high on the safety pad. Itthe trampoline users are small and young, or older and heavier, theinternal composition of the bladders is almost infinitely adjustable tothe intended end user(s) of the trampoline. This increases both theutility and flexibility of the safety system described herein.

And, due to the introduction of multiple internal bladders for thesafety bag, it is possible to vary the contents of each smaller bladderto further alter or fine tune performance and response to impacts. Forexample, some bladders can be filled entirely with air or some othergas, while others can be filled with liquid, all within the same safetybag. Some bladders may be filled with a portion of liquid of anyviscosity, while the remainder is filled with air or other gas. Ifpartially filled with a liquid, it is preferable to fill the remainingspace with air or gas so that the bladder does not collapse due toinsufficient volume. This is important because gravity, weight, mass andthe like put a downward force on bladders when stacked one upon theother, singly, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1F, or in bunches and groups, FIG. 10K.

The safety bag, bladder or pad is able to deflect a user's impacts,whether bodily or by appendages like hands, feet, elbows or any otherparts of a body. It functions such that upon impact, the pad moves tothe left or right to some degree in a manner which helps to deflect auser of the trampoline away from the pole or support member to which thepad is attached. The internal bladders may be configured to alterdeflection and impact response as has been previously described. Anothermeans of the current system to provide safety to a user on a trampolineis by affecting deflection of impacts. Deflection is a key function,which is considered only for use within a trampoline system. A bag thatcan be outside of a trampoline environment need not ever considerdeflection as either an issue or concern in the way it is for trampolineuse. In a trampoline environment, it becomes a significant safetyfeature. A trampoline user must continually be protected from unwantedfall-offs and impacts against the enclosure and trampoline structure;which are irrelevant concerns in other environments. Thus, a safety padoccupying a space within an enclosure requires specialized safetyconsiderations and benefits in protecting a user on a trampoline surfacewhen coming into contact with the bag. Deflection from any portion ofthe enclosure or its support members or poles is vital to the design.

Where a safety bag is suspended between two vertical support members orpoles, the bag absorbs impact energy such that an impact transfersenergy more broadly and diffuses what would otherwise be a “pointimpact” into a more distributed and diffused impact. This lowers thelikelihood of damage to the enclosure wall, such as enclosure rips or“zipper tears” (like ripping clothing), or known as a “point load rip ortear”. Many enclosures are made with tight netting or weaves as opposedto more open netting to supposedly prevent fingers getting caught. Thedisclosed impact bag minimizes the damage that such types of netting arevulnerable.

Deflection is achieved through several means and in several manners,individually, or in concert. First, the bag is designed to permit arotation or twisting action when struck. Upon impact from a user itrevolves to some degree around the support member helping to redirect animpacting individual or user away from the support member. It helps tolaterally redirect an impacting user or individual. This rotation ortwist occurs about the vertical axis of the bag, or also of the supportmember. When the bag is secured such that it contacts the pole or othersupport member above the trampoline surface, but it is not limited tothat. It is beneficial to prevent a user from impacting or contactingsuch support members or pole during use of the trampoline. The rotationcauses the impact to be redirect away from the support member or pole.The rotation may also “corkscrew” such that, as the twist occurs, thebag may rotate lower or higher based upon the force or direction of animpact. This rotation or twist serves to both absorb and redirect animpact away from a support pole which reduces the chance of a user fromstriking another part of the trampoline or its enclosure. Even if animpact is exactly in line with the support member or pole behind it, thebag still acts as a protective cushion, though its rotation might bevery slight; or in rare cases almost nonexistent. When an impact,intentional or otherwise, is off center from the support member or pole,the bag will rotate around the axis of the support pole which redirectsthe impact force away from that pole. In the case where a pad issuspended between two poles as previously described, the twisting orrotation serves to reduce the impact force against a trampoline net aspart of an enclosure. Thus, the pad serves a significant safety functionbeyond a simple additional barrier to a support pole. For the purposesof this disclosure, the term “pole” includes other types of supportmembers, so long as such support members permit the attachment of theinstant safety pad on a trampoline.

This beneficial rotation or twisting of an impacted bag can be enhancedby situating a secondary pad against the pole, FIG. 11A. This additionalpad's shape is such that it facilitates the redirection of the force ofan impact against the bag away from that primary point of impact, andaway from a direct impact force against the pole. One shape could bethat of a “half round” shape, more flat on one side, and more rounded onthe other; or some shape similar thereto. Such shape serves to furtherenhance the redirection of a user's impact in a direction away from theoriginal direction of the impact and away from the point of that sameimpact.

In an alternative design, the second pad may also be shaped to adapt tothe shape of the first bag, FIG. 11C. In this case, rotation is greatlyreduced or removed, but the safety bag still moves within this design,but with far less pendulous motion, which is beneficial in those caseswhere impacts are more rapid and intentional. Also, the internalconfiguration of the instant bag, and its shape and mass, continues toprovide additional protection from contact with the enclosure andtrampoline structure, than would otherwise be available to a user. Inthe event of an off-center strike or impact, this secondary pad willstill help prevent the user from unwanted impact with the enclosuresupport. Finally, although it is not shown in the drawings, one or moresecondary pads can be placed adjacent to a net or enclosure barrier whenthe primary impact safety bag or pad is situated somewhere between toenclosure support members or poles, and at or above the jump surfacewithin the enclosure.

Another aspect of the instant pad or bag design is that it permits apendulous or oscillating swing motion upon being impacted. The safetypad is connected to the upper portion of the pad and the upper portionof a pole or support member such that an impact to a lower portion ofthe pad causes it to move to some degree like a pendulum or in apendulous motion. Pendulous is simply an oscillating, swaying orswinging motion. This serves to both absorb an impact and to redirectits energy away from the impact point. This functionality is enhancedbecause the bag is attached to the support structure, like a pole orbetween two poles, from a position higher than the primary mass of thebag. Also, the attachment point on the pad is generally in the upperregion of the pad. The pendulous effect occurs even where the pad isconnected at a secondary location or locations from the bottom of thebag to another part of the trampoline. Even if the lower connectionpoint is secured tightly, there will still be a slight pendulous effect.Where the lower connection is achieved by a single cord or strap, somerotation is still permitted, which continues the previously describedbenefit. The lower connection will be achieved via one or more straps,cords or ropes of some kind, or other resilient material that permitseither a pendulous or twisting action from the bag upon impact. Thebenefit is achieved even if the movement of the safety pad is extremelyslight due to the “rigidity” or reduced flex or rotation permitted bythe lower connection.

As previously stated, the conditions within a trampoline jumping surfaceand enclosures are utterly unique compared to suspending a bag next to awall or ground secured barrier. The activity on a trampoline is fluid,three dimensional, where the bouncing of a user can send them indifferent directions upon each separate impact or jump. Often, thedirection of travel of a user is not anticipated, so the need for aproperly designed bag for safe use within a trampoline is of paramountimportance. Other currently available bags may appear to mirror theexternal look of some of the bags shown herein, however, none weredesigned or intended for safe use within an enclosure with a trampolinesurface where a user is jumping. Current bags that may be “jury rigged”into an enclosure are not designed for the purpose and are notrecommended for that reason. Systems described herein address theseunique issues for the trampoline while actually increasing the safetyfor a user jumping on the trampoline. Thus, both play benefits andsafety are increased with the addition of the instant device.

Another safety concern when using an impact bag within a trampoline isthat the angle of a body when suspended above the trampoline surface atthe apex of a jump (where no body part is in contact with the jumpsurface) may rotate or twist in any manner possible in athree-dimensional movement. In short, one cannot simply hang anadditional bag as part of an enclosure and ignore these unique andadditional safety issues associated with a fluid jumping action by oneor more users on a trampoline.

Another issue of concern is that the majority of trampolines situatetheir jump surfaces above the ground level or floor surface. Thiselevation, while common and convenient, can increase the possibilitythat a strong enough impact against an enclosure barrier or barriersupport structures, could result in the trampoline structure tilting inthe direction of the impact location and direction. A tilting structureis unwanted as it increases the risk of the entire structure fallingover, or tilting enough that it interferes with a user's safe actionswhile on the trampoline, whether jumping or impacting anything withinthe enclosure. One could tie or secure such an above ground trampolinesystem to the ground to reduce a tip-over risk. However, securing atrampoline to the ground surface can interfere with the flex of thesuperstructure which in turn can increase the stresses placed upon it. Astructure that is thus tied down to the ground surface has less abilityto “breath” by flexing freely when a jumper is rebounding. Thus, one ismaking a trade-off where, on the one hand, they reduce a tip overlikelihood, but at the same time, on the other hand, reduce the flex andmovement of the entire structure, a less preferred condition for anabove ground trampoline. Adding ground attachments increases the cost ofthe device as well. The instant safety pad system removes the need foradditional ground connection of an above ground trampoline.

The tipping risk of a trampoline increases with the addition of a safetyenclosure, the good purpose of which is to reduce fall-off injuries ofjumpers. When a user impacts the wall of an enclosure, the enclosureserves to prevent a fall off injury be stopping the momentum of theimpact. The users mass and momentum can direct a substantial amount ofenergy against the barrier of the enclosure or its support members. Theinstant device or pad serves to minimize the ability of a trampoline totilt towards its side in multiple ways, which in turn, increases thesafety of the users within the enclosure, as well as outside observers,while still maintaining the safety benefits of the enclosure systemitself, while minimizing and reducing the previously described pointimpacts, rips or zipper tears.

One way this is accomplished is because the bag is weighted above zerolbs., and, when hung from a point or region above the center of mass ofthe bag, serves to allow the bag to swing when struck. The bag isdesigned to protect against unintentional impacts, but may also respondeffectively to intentional impacts by a user. For example, if a userwere to initiate a high karate style kick to the upper portion of thebag, the energy would be dispersed generally, and then the bag wouldswing and the bottom portion of the bag would hit the enclosure pole, orthe body of the net wall when suspended between vertical supportmembers. The rigidity of the bag is more optimally set to facilitatethis function by setting it so that the bag moves as one member. Thestructure of the disclosed internal bladder system facilitates thispreferable action. The bottom of the bag will swing into the pole anddistribute energy into that lower portion of the pole. This beneficialeffect occurs even when the safety pad is impacted while situatedsomewhere between two supports or poles on an enclosure, where the padis adjacent or in contact with an enclosure wall or net. The instantdevice will tend to swing the impact energy downward, which in turn,helps spread the impact along the height of the pole instead of only atthe high location of the original impact of the high kick example.

The disclosed pad also helps prevent tipping because the thickness ofthe bag helps keep a user from getting closer to the outside of the jumpsurface, and therefore closer to the center of the trampoline. Thislowers the risk of point load rips or tears as the energy is transferredmore broadly by reducing the point load force of an impact. This resultsin a longer lifespan for the net or enclosure wall, which in turn,increases the safety during that net wall lifespan. Users or owners cantend to ignore small tears or damage to their enclosures because theydon't want to spend the money for a replacement, and they don'trecognize the potential severity of the danger. A point load rip cantear open rapidly upon the impact of an unsuspecting user such that adangerous and unexpected risk may develop very rapidly. Additionally,the internal composition of the bladder system will also serve to absorbimpact energy which will reduce the force applied against the enclosure,which in turn, reduces the force that would cause tipping of thestructure. This is achieved both by redirection upon impact or contactby reducing the point load and transferring the impact energy morebroadly; as well as the unconscious tendency of a jumper to avoid anobject adjacent to the enclosure and within it. Users tend tounconsciously avoid objects impinging or encroaching, however slightly,in the space above the trampoline surface. It is simply an amplifiedexample of what occurs via the mere existence of an enclosure wall,which also has this same affect.

When contact occurs against a support member or pole or an enclosure bya user, it is generally unwanted and unintended. Without the bag, theuser's mass runs right up to the pole, or into the net. When the mass isfurther out from the center of the trampoline, it increases the tendencyof the trampoline to tip, so this device increases safety by keepingjumpers from getting too far from the center. Finally, the resilient bagabsorbs impacts over a longer time than the thinner pole padding, or anunpadded pole. This longer impact leads to lower peak forces, andreduces the ability for the trampoline to tip. These same lower peakforces will also work where the bag is between vertical poles alone thenet wall.

This disclosure relates to any trampoline that may support an enclosureor some kind of attached pole as previously described. The discloseddevices are also adaptable to smaller trampolines; though not shown inthe drawings with the instant device. Such smaller trampolines aregenerally less than 4 feet in diameter and are more geared to childrenor smaller users. The safety pad described would need to be size adaptedto function with a smaller trampoline, with a proportionally smallersize and dimensions. It will more commonly be used with trampolines ator greater than 4feet in diameter. Such trampolines have a bed that ismade of flexible fabric attached in any manner to an encompassing framedirectly or indirectly by spring elements and will be higher off theground surface; generally, between 24 inches to 40 inches. Additionally,these trampolines may have one of any polygonal or non-polygonal shapes,which may also utilize the benefit of the current devices describedherein. Also, it is common for such trampolines to be capable ofsupporting a safety enclosure. The described system will all functionwith a trampoline installed in the ground, so long as support membersare available for supporting the safety pad.

Embodiments described herein are for trampolines greater in size. But,for trampolines under 5 feet, it becomes necessary to factorencroachment of a safety pad as a percentage of the usable jump surfaceand the space above it. A smaller trampoline that utilizes an enclosurecan seem like jumping in an old style phone booth, or other narrowspace. In such situations, the user is less “jumping around” and moreoften jumping up and down with footfalls landing near the same locationon the jump surface. In such cases, the utility of a safety pad is lessnecessary.

The frames generally define a central opening that supports a flat orplanar rebounding mat or jumping surface that is elastically suspendedwithin the central opening. The trampoline surface is generally coupledto any type of spring elements that can permit at least some level ofrebounding movement when a user is on it. The frame can be of severalconfigurations and is not limited by shape in any dimension beyond itsneed to support a flat rebounding surface at any angle.

The adult and adult sized users of such devices are individual personsgenerally over 16 years old, and between a height of 4 feet 7 inches and6 feet 7 inches, with a weight range between 70 lbs to 500 lbs, thoughgenerally, the common user will fall within the range of normal weightsof the general population. Children between the ages of 4 to 8 may alsouse these trampolines for fitness and fun, but their bodyweight isgenerally lighter, between 30 to 80 lbs. Young people between the agesof 8 and 16 can vary greatly in weight and size, from 50 lbs to inexcess of 400 lbs. Systems described herein are configurable to supporteach of individuals in these weight ranges and within these age groups.Additionally, these trampolines may have one of any polygonal ornon-polygonal shapes, which may also utilize the benefit of the currentdevices described herein.

The instant safety pad may double as an impact bag, which increases theprotection provided a user while on a trampoline. In addition, the typeemployed is specifically employed to provide additional safety for auser by absorbing the energy of impacts that may occur against theenclosure and supporting poles.

One or more of the instant safety pads may be coupled to a verticalenclosure pole of a trampoline. Also disclosed is a method of couplingthese bags to a multi directional swivel and pivoting crank mechanismand its components attached to a vertical enclosure pole, of atrampoline. This permits a user to adjust the placement of the bag indifferent hanging locations, side to side, up and down, and front andback.

FIG. 1A shows a bladder filled impact safety bag comprised of the bag101, hanging straps 102, a top connector 103, and a top flap 104. Thetop flap 104 can be opened to fill the bag 101.

FIG. 1B is a cross section view of a bladder filled impact safety bag.The bag is filled with multiple internal bladders 105 and they may besurrounded with a layer of foam or other space filling barrier 106.These bladders 105 can be weighted with liquid or other filler, to givethe bag its weight. Typical impact bags are stuffed with fabric scrapsand sand, and as a result are bulky and expensive to ship. Such bags arenot suitable for installation on a trampoline due to the unique demandsof the environment and the lack of any consideration of these conditionswhen such bags were designed and fabricated. This new impact safety bagdesign allows the bladders, 105, and impact safety bag, 101, to beflattened, so the product can ship in a compact and lightweight package.Once received, the end user can fill the bladders, 105, with a liquid orother filler to achieve the desired weight for the assembled impactsafety bag.

FIG. 1C is an exploded view showing the foam type liner, 106, andmultiple bladders, 105, which are inserted into the top opening, 104, ofthe impact safety bag, 101. This embodiment shows five bladders, 105,but any number can be used. There are an optimal number of bladders toload depending on the size of the bag, 101. In this case, if only 1 to 3bladders were to be installed on a bag that would require more basedupon its size and height, 105, the solid, gas, or liquid filler wouldnot be evenly spaced out throughout the bag and there would be a morenoticeable lumpiness to the impact safety bag. If too many bladders areinstalled into a bag, while perhaps serving to more substantially fillin additional space between the bladders, is not a preferable trade offas it will provide a user little in the way of a noticeable differencein response; and filling becomes more difficult and unnecessarily costlyby adding unneeded bladders.

FIG. 1D shows a bladder filled safety pad comprised of the bag, 101,hanging straps, 102, a top connector, 103, and a top flap, 104. The topflap, 104 can be opened to fill the bag, 101. FIG. 1E is a cross sectionthat shows the bag, 101, filled with disc shaped bladders, 107, insteadof the round ones. This shape results in more of the volume filled withthe bladders. This embodiment shows a number of relatively thin discs,107, to provide a fine degree of weight adjustment. Fewer discs, 107,can be used if they are thicker to fill the bag, 101. FIG. 1D shows abladder filled safety pad comprised of the bag, 101, hanging straps,102, a top connector, 103, and a top flap, 104. The top flap, 104 can beopened to fill the bag, 101. FIG. 1E is a cross section that shows thebag, 101, filled with disc shaped bladders, 107. This shape results inmore of the volume of the safety pad being filled with the bladders.This embodiment shows a number of relatively thin discs, 107, to providea fine degree of weight adjustment. Fewer discs, 107, can be used ifthey are thicker to fill the bag, 101. FIG. 1F is an exploded viewshowing disc shaped bladders, 107, that are inserted into the foamlayer, 106, removed from the external bag, 101.

FIG. 2A shows a bladder, 201, that has a sealing plug, 202. FIG. 2B is afront view of a safety pad bladder that has a sealing plug, 202. FIG. 2Cis a cross section view of a bladder, 201, partially filled with filleror liquid, 203. The rest of the volume is filled with air, 204. Thesealing plug, 202, can be removed and installed repeatedly if the userwants to change the amount of filler or liquid, 203, in the bladder,201. Other types of fill valves can be used, such as a pin valve foundon basketballs. For that a needle adapter would be provided whichthreads onto a hose or sink so liquid can be injected into the bladder.A thread on cap could also be incorporated into the bladder, 201, whichwould provide a large fill hole for easy water or other liquid filling.FIG. 2D shows a bladder, 201, that is around ⅔rds full of liquid, 201.FIG. 2E shows a bladder, 201, that has no liquid and is completelyfilled with a gas or air, 204. This system allows for an impact safetybag with customizable weight and stiffness. Other bags that are designedfor punching are common in boxing gyms and the like, but are notdesigned to protect users in a trampoline environment; and also, suchdevices are extremely dense and can be dangerous for inexperiencedboxers to use. Thus, the instant safety pads allow for a lightweight andcompliant system when fill the bladders are filled, 201, either with allair, 204, or mostly air, 204, and some liquid, 203, in any proportion.Conversely, this system can still achieve a stiff and heavy feel whenthe bladders are filled mostly or entirely with a weight increasingfiller or liquid, 203. The benefit in this situation is that it is muchless costly to ship an empty bag and deflated bladders than it is toship a fully stuffed weighted bag.

FIG. 3A shows an impact safety bag attached to a backyard trampolineusing a linear pole enclosure support system. The illustrated trampolinehas a frame that includes a side rail 301 that that is a generallyhorizontally extending closed loop that defines a central opening andthat is connected to the perimeter of the rebounding surface such thatthe rebounding surface is suspended above the ground. The illustratedside rail 301 defines a circular opening; in other trampolines (notshown) the side rail can define openings of other shapes, such asrectangular or octagonal openings. The system of FIG. 3A has severalenclosure poles, 302, the impact safety bag, 101, a top support strap,304, a middle support strap, 305, a bottom support strap, 306, and asafety enclosure wall or net, 307, that is a supported expanse offlexible material, such as netting or fabric. Enclosure poles, such asthe poles, 302, are sometimes referred to herein as vertical supportmembers. The term “vertical” is used to mean that the poles extend abovethe surface of the rebounding surface, not that the poles need to beperfectly vertical in orientation. In FIG. 3a , one expanse of the net,307, is shown extending between two poles in the foreground. It shouldbe understood that the net extends entirely around the perimeter of thetrampoline and forms a generally cylindrical wall that defines a jumpingchamber over the illustrated rebounding surface, which is sometimesreferred to herein as a jumping mat. Although not shown in some of theother drawing figures for clarity, it should be understood that any ofthe trampoline systems described herein can have a similar safetyenclosure wall. FIG. 3A shows the safety pad, 101, positioned in frontof the enclosure pole, 302. The safety pad is advantageously sized tohave a cross sectional area at least nine times greater than the crosssectional area of the enclosure pole, 302. This minimum size is toensure the safety pad, 101, is large enough to shield a person from theenclosure pole, 302.

FIG. 3B shows an eye bolt attachment configuration comprising of an eyebolt, 309, and a receiving enclosure ball end cap, 308. It should bereadily apparent that a ball end cap is not required for the instantsafety pad be installed. The safety pad may be coupled in any number ofmanners that are not shown in the drawings. Any coupling method thatachieves the result of hanging the instant impact safety pad to theenclosure support member is applicable. For example, the connection canbe achieved regardless of how the end of the support member or pole isshaped. Additionally, the instant device could be attached anywherealong the continuum of an inverted U-shaped pole where the two endpoints of the pole, are located at or below the trampoline surfacelevel. Or poles that are connected above the trampoline surface bysupports connected upper portions of the support members such that theydo not move independently. Such an arched appearing pole or enclosuresupport may also be adapted to fit the instant safety pad, with theadditional benefits flowing therefrom.

In the example shown, FIG. 3C reveals that the eye bolt, 309, goesthrough the enclosure pole, 302, and is fastened with a nut, 310, on theother side. FIG. 3D is an exploded view showing how the eye bolt, 309,goes through the ball end cap, 308, enclosure pole through holes, 311,and into the nut, 310. The eye bolt, 309, can either clamp on the ballend cap, 308, or the end cap could be cut away so the eye bolt, 309,seats on the outside of the enclosure pole, 302.

FIG. 4A shows an alternate mounting configuration using a plate tospread the load across the enclosure tube. It is comprised of an impactsafety bag, 101, a top strap, 304, an eye bolt, 309, an enclosure pole,302, the enclosure pole ball end cap, 308, a support plate, 401, clampbolts, 402, and a pole clamp bracket, 403. FIG. 4B is a side viewshowing the mounting plate, 401, clamped to the enclosure pole, 302.FIG. 4C shows the eye bolt, 309, and the two clamp bolts, 402, clampdown on the support plate, 401. The support bolts, 402, straddle theoutside of the enclosure tube, 302, while the eye bolt, 309, goesthrough the enclosure pole through hole, 311. The pole clamp bracket,403, provides support for the bolt clamp nuts, 310.

FIG. 5A shows how the impact safety bag, 101, is strapped to theenclosure pole, 302, as well as having a connection point at the lowerend of the safety bag that is also coupled to a location closer to thetrampoline surface. The lower coupling location may vary. It can be atthe bottom of the enclosure support member or pole; a frame rail forthose trampolines that possess them; to a spring member, whether at orbelow the jump surface. It is sometimes preferable that the bag, 101, issupported by more than just the top strap, 304, if the bag, 101, exceedsa certain weight for example, or less pendulous action is desired. Thecenter strap, 305, and bottom strap, 306, connects the bag, 101 to theenclosure pole, 302, which prevents it from swinging. When the bag, 101,and pole, 302, are connected, they only have to withstand impact. Whenthe bag, 101, is hanging primarily from the top strap, 304, it is ableto pendulously swing which can put considerable additional stress on theenclosure support member or pole, 302. The straps, 304, 305, and 306 caneither be rigid for little to no movement, or they can be elastic toallow for some movement. Some movement may be more desirable for a moredynamic interaction, but the elastic straps will still prevent the bag,101, from swinging out of control.

FIG. 5B is a side view showing the safety pad, 101, hanging from theenclosure pole, 302, and attached to the frame, 301, with the bottomstrap, 306. FIG. 5C is a top view showing how the cushioned safety bag,101, shields an enclosure support member, in this case, a pole. 302. Theenclosure net, 307, is oriented close in distance to the back of thebag, 101, which forms a barrier around the enclosure poles. Thisprovides safety functionality which increases with the increased lengthof a bag, 101, to cover more of the pole from a user's impacts, 302,making it very difficult for a jumper to come in contact with a supportpole, 302. By having cushioned bags, 101, attached to every pole, 302,the trampoline will have improved safety.

FIG. 6A shows an impact safety bag, 101, with bottom drainage holes,601. This feature is useful for outdoor impact safety bags. The drainageholes, 601, allow rain water to freely drain, so no moisture builds upwhich could cause mold and corrosion. The drainage is also significantfor liquid bladder impact safety bags, because the liquid can drain incase the bladder is pierced or leaking. Weather resistant and moldresistant materials may be employed such that an exposed bag and itsinternals are weather resistant.

FIG. 6B shows an alternate drainage system where there are webbingstraps, 602, that hold the impact safety bags, 101, contents. Manytrampolines are outside or exposed to an external environment even whencovered. Drainage is needed under such conditions. Any number of webbingstraps, 602, could be sewn to the bottom depending on how big the holesneed to be.

FIG. 6C shows another embodiment for an impact safety bag drainagesystem. This one has a mesh bottom, 603, which is a strong fabric butallows for liquid to freely flow.

FIG. 7A shows an impact safety bag attachment type that is universal fornearly any trampoline design with a safety enclosure.

FIG. 7B shows the impact safety bag straps, 701, have a pocket style topconnector, 702, attached to the end. This is a more universal connectingdevice in that it may slip over multiple types of pole ends which do notpossess a coupling mechanism to attach a bag or suspend a bag from thevertical support pole. It should be appreciated that multiple types ofconnectors and connections may be envisioned, and the disclosed topconnectors are examples of a much larger group of methods of attachmentand connection to the vertical pole members, as well as to anyhorizontal support members that may support the safety bag above thetrampoline surface to allow it to function as disclosed.

FIG. 7C shows how the pocket, 702, simply slides over the end of theenclosure pole, 308. This design accommodates a wide range of differentsize and style end locations of support members and poles, 308. Such amethod may be adapted to slip over or otherwise attach to the top end ofa support member, and then be tightened or otherwise adjusted to securethe coupling. Velcro straps may be employed to tighten the coupling, oran elastic system could be employed to function like a constrictingrubber band might; or other attachment methods may be used. The benefitof such a system is its adaptability to various enclosure systems. Thisincludes adaptation for enclosures with canopies or where the trampolineis a tent like structure or one containing a roof or canopy above thejump surface. FIG. 7D is a side exploded view showing how the pocket,702, slides over the end of the enclosure pole, 308.

FIG. 8A shows an impact safety bag, 101, attached to a trampolineenclosure pole, 302, that is enclosed in fabric. The front fabric, 801,connects the impact safety bag straps, 801, and the top of the impactsafety bag, 101. The side fabric, 804, connects the side of the impactsafety bag, 101, and the enclosure pole, 302. This fabric is a safetymeasure which eliminates all openings where a user's body or extremitiescould be entrapped or entangled. FIG. 8B is a side view showing thefabric, 804, covering the gap between the rear of the pad, 101, and theenclosure pole, 302. FIG. 8C is a top view showing how the top fabric,801, connects the straps, 802, and covers the top of the safety pad.This prevents users from getting tangled with the straps, 802, orgetting stuck behind the safety pad, 101.

FIG. 9A shows an impact safety bag, 101, that has a moisture and sun andweather resistant hood or barrier, 901, covering the straps. The hood,901, has a flap, 902, which extends down and covers the top seam of theimpact safety bag which reduces the intrusion of moisture or sun. FIG.9B is a side cross section view that shows the hood, 901, covers thehanging straps, 102, and the top of the bag, 104. FIG. 9C is an explodedview showing the waterproof hood, 901, removed from the safety pad, 101.This view shows the exposed straps, 102. The hood, 901, is installed toensure the straps, 102, are covered to prevent users from gettingtangled in them. FIG. 9D shows an alternate design to keep moisture outof the impact safety bag. It is comprised of a top cover, 903, which hasa flap, 904, sewn to its edge. FIG. 9E is a side cross section view ofthe safety pad with a top cover flap. FIG. 9F shows a how the top issewn. The top cover, 903, has a flap, 904, and a zipper, 905, sewn toit. The zipper, 905, interfaces with a zipper on the top edge of theimpact safety bag, 101. Once the top is zipped on, the flap, 904, foldsdown and covers the zipper seam. FIG. 9G shows how the flap, 904, coversthe top seam of the impact safety bag, 101.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a safety pad, 101, that contains concentricbladders. FIG. 10B is a side cross section which shows an impact safetybag, 101, made up of concentric chambers. The concentric bladders may befilled with liquid, air or combination, or made of foam like material.FIG. 10B is a side cross section which shows a safety pad, 101, filledwith a fluid bladder made up of concentric chambers. FIG. 10C is a topcross section view showing the chambers filled with liquid as anexample, 1001, 1002,1003, and 1004. The thickness of each chamberdecreases the farther it is from the center chamber, 1001, so that eachchamber holds an equal volume of liquid. This system allows anadjustable weight impact safety bag while maintaining a consistent feelalong the entire height of the bag. For a light weight and soft feel,the user can fill the center chamber, 1001, with liquid, and the outsidechambers with air. For a light weight and harder feel, the user can fillthe outside chamber, 1004, with liquid and the inside chambers with air.More chambers can be filled with liquid or other filler to increase theweight. The bladder could be made with any number of chambers dependingon how much adjustability is desired.

FIG. 10D is a front view of a safety pad, 101, that contains ainternally sectioned bladders. FIG. 10E is a side cross section viewwhich shows an impact safety bag, 101, filled with bladders made up ofinternal lengthwise chambers, 1006, and an exterior air chamber, 1005.FIG. 10F is a top cross section view showing the internal chambers,1006, and the exterior air chamber, 1005. The internal chambers, 1006,are filled with liquid one at a time until a desired weight or impactcharacteristic is achieved. After a chosen number of chambers, 1006, arefilled with liquid entirely so the weight is even along the height ofthe bag, the remaining chambers can be filled with air or other mediumor solid filler to top off or fill the space such that they do notcollapse. The exterior air chamber, 1005, provides a transition to theinternal chambers, 1006. This gives the bag a consistent feel even ifonly some of the internal chambers, 1006, are filled with a liquid. Insome cases, not all of the internal bladders will be filled with anymedium but rather remain empty. In this case, the bag is otherwisestructurally supported such that a collapsed interior bladder does notresult in a collapsing condition of the safety bag itself. This could beaccomplished in several manners. One could be an internal support systemcomposed of an internal framing of structural supportive material(plastic, foam, air filled struts or supports or the like), while stillproviding internal space for receiving various bladders. Or, theexternal wall of the pad could be filled entirely with a gas or airwhich provides rigidity sufficient to offset any collapse of internalbladders, or when the bag is partially unfilled with those bladders.

FIG. 10G is a front view of a safety pad, 101, filled with verticaltubular bladders. FIG. 10H is a side cross section view which shows animpact safety bag, 101, filled with a bladder made up of cylindricalchambers, 1007. FIG. 10I is a top cross section view showing thecylinder chambers, 1007. Any number of the chambers, 1007, can be filledwith a weigh increasing filler liquid to achieve the desired weight, andthe remaining space, 1008, can be pressurized with air to fill the spacein between the chambers.

FIG. 10J is a front view of a safety pad, 101, filled with balls. FIG.10K is a side cross section view which shows an impact safety bag, 101,filled with filler sphere bladders, 1009. The filler bladders, 1009, arefilled with materials of various densities, such as filler (smallpellets of a solid material of various densities as just one example) orliquid, air, or sand, or other material. The different weight bladders,1009, can be evenly mixed in the bag, 101, to achieve different totalbag weights.

FIG. 10L is a top cross section view showing how the filler bladders,1009, back in the bag, 101. The bladders, 1009, are cheap and easy toreplace. If these internal bladders settle or compress after a period ofuse, then more spheres or bladders, 1009, can be added to refill the bagto offset the compression, so that the top portion of the bag is notcollapsed.

FIG. 11A shows a “D” shaped pad, 1101, in between a punching bag, 101,and a trampoline enclosure pole, 302. The pad, 1101, provides additionalprotection preventing impacts with the pole, 302. It ensures that thepole, 302, is still covered even when the bag, 101, rotates to the side.FIG. 11B is a side view of a contact safety bag, 101, attached to anenclosure pole, 302, with a D shaped pad, 1101, in between them. FIG.11C shows an alternate contoured shape pad, 1101, in between a punchingbag, 101, and a trampoline enclosure pole, 302. This contoured pad,1102, is shaped to fit the curve of the pole, 302, on one side, and acontour to fit the bag, 101, on the other side. FIG. 11D is a side viewof a contact safety bag, 101, attached to an enclosure pole, 302, with acontoured pad, 1102, in between them.

FIG. 11E is a top view showing a “D” shaped pad, 1101, in between a bag,101, and an enclosure pole, 302. This shows how the pad, 1101, fills inthe space between the bag, 101, and the net, 307. If a userintentionally (or unintentionally) impacts the bag, 101, but missesseverely to the side or if they come in from a side angle, the extrapad, 1101, will block the pole, 302. The pad, 1101, fills the spacebetween the bag, 101, pole, 302, and net, 307, so the user cannot sliptheir foot, hand, or other body part past the bag, 101, and in contactwith the pole, 302.

FIG. 11F is a top view showing the contoured pad, 1102, installed. Thispad, 1102, fills in more of the space to ensure the pole, 302, is wellprotected. This option is available to users that want the safety pad toswing less for those cases where the pendulous motion is less desired;usually in cases of more intentional and more rapid impacts. All of theother additional safety benefits of the pad remain, as well as theadditional protection from contact with the trampoline frame orenclosure.

FIG. 12A shows a contact safety pad, 101, attached to a trampoline, 301.The outside perimeter of the trampoline frame rail is shown as 1201.

FIG. 12B is a top view showing a contoured contact safety pad, 1202,that attaches to the enclosure pole, 302, with a strap, 304. Thecontoured contact safety pad, 1202, wraps around the enclosure pole,302, and partially extends past the outside perimeter of the trampoline,1201. The perimeter of the trampoline, 1201, is defined as the outsidediameter of the frame. In this embodiment, 83% of the volume of thesafety pad lies within the perimeter of the trampoline, 1201, and 17% ofthe volume extends past the perimeter, 1201. For the pad, 1202, to beuseful and to provide minimal best protection to an impacting user, atleast 50% of the volume of the bag needs to lie within the perimeter ofthe trampoline, 1201. This is because more of the pad volume of materialneeds to be in front of the enclosure pole, 302, so it can absorb anyimpacts, and so the user has the minimum safe coverage for protection.Advantageous results have been achieved when 70% to 80% of the pad iswithin the perimeter rail of the trampoline frame supporting the jumpingsurface, as viewed from the top. FIG. 12C is an isometric view showing acontoured contact safety pad, 1202, that attaches to the enclosure pole,302, with a strap, 304. Another way to describe this is to say (for thisversion and the others shown herein) that at least 50% of the volume ofthe pad is located inwardly of the frame perimeter of the trampoline asviewed from above.

FIG. 13A shows the person, 1301, approaching the contact safety pad,101. The safety pad, 101, is positioned in front of the enclosure pole,302, to protect the user, 1301, from the pole, 302.

FIG. 13B shows the person, 1301, impacting the contact safety pad, 101.The pad, 101, is compliant and starts absorbing energy from the person,1301. FIG. 13C shows the contact safety pad, 101, and person, 1301,rotating around the enclosure pole, 302. The contact safety pad, 101, isattached to the pole, 302, with a strap, 304, such that it is free torotate about the pole, 302. If the contact safety pad, 101, is impactedat all off center, it will rotate around the enclosure pole, 302. Thisis advantageous because it redirects the person, 1301, away from theenclosure pole, 302. FIG. 13D shows after the impact with the safetypad, 101, the user, 1301 is rebounded away from the enclosure pole, 302.Depending on the impact angle, the person, 1301, will either beredirected back onto the jumping surface, or safely into the enclosurenet. FIG. 14A shows a safety bag, 101, is attached, 1401, to apivot-able crank mechanism and arm, 1402 and 1403, so that the bag mayswivel up and down or away or toward the center of the trampolinejumping mat. A wire or cord may run through the mechanism (not shown) tofacilitate such operability. The pivot mechanism is attached at someplace along the pole, 302 (shown at the top in FIG. 14A), which isattached to the trampoline, 301.

FIG. 14B shows an alternative bag support structure where a horizontaltube or rod, 1404, is deployed between two vertical support members orenclosure poles, 302. Each pole, 302, has a connection point, which islocated at the top of each vertical support member in the illustratedsystem. The ends of the horizontal tube or rod, 1404, are connected tothe vertical support members at the connection points. The bag, 101, isattached at a central point of the horizontal pole, 1404, by aconnective cable or strap, 1401, that extends from an upper portion ofthe bag. The lower portion of the bag is secured on or near the jumpingmat by one or more additional cables or straps, 306. This configurationstill permits the bag to provide additional energy absorption if andwhen any type of impact occurs against the enclosure net. A member, suchas the tube or rod, 1404, is sometimes referred to herein as ahorizontal support member. The term “horizontal” is used to mean thatthe member extends from one vertical support member to another, not thatthe horizontal support member needs to be perfectly horizontal inorientation. FIG. 14B shows a horizontal support member, 1404, that isrigid. But a horizontal support member need not be rigid and insteadcould be made of a material that bends downwardly to some degree underthe weight of the bag 101. The horizontal support member needs only besufficiently rigid to support at least a portion of the bag above therebounding surface.

FIG. 14C shows an exploded side view of one of many possibleconfigurations for insertable extensions being able to be coupled to thebag, 1405, in some fashion. The extensions, 1406, may be of variousshapes, including but not limited to, faces, animals, pictures paintedor otherwise employed on the extension surface, targets, or other gameattachments. Insertable holes, 1407, may be deployed on one or morelocations anywhere on the bag circumference, high or low, in order toprovide maximum adaptability to the type and location of any targetdevice or extension protruding from the bag.

FIG. 15 shows a target system integrated into the safety design of theenclosure as an improved or additional means of absorbing impactsagainst the enclosure of a trampoline that employs such an enclosure.The diameters of these larger trampolines, 301, are generally at least 5feet. A target, 1501, is deployed between two enclosure poles, 302, bycoupling members, 1502. The coupling members, 1502, can be straps orcords; or they can be of a rigid or semi-rigid form capable ofsupporting the safety target, 1501, between a trampoline's, 301,enclosure poles, 302, which are used to support a net (not shown). Thesafety target, 1501, may be connected to the net without the need of theenclosure poles, not shown, or in combination with both the net, notshown, and the poles, 302. Although not shown, the net is of a typeshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,845, issued on Apr. 25, 2000.

FIG. 16 shows an enclosure pole target system for use in a trampolinethat employs such an enclosure. The diameters of these largertrampolines, 301, are generally at least 5 feet. A targeting component,1604, is coupled to an enclosure pole, 302, somewhere along its verticallength. The connection to the pole may include a band of soft material,1602, that surrounds the pole and/or its padding by any number of means.The pole itself will generally have padding as well, so the target isconfigured to attach to it, or it may serve as the primary padding ofthe pole itself. 1602 could be a strap that could employ Velcro, or someother method of adhering to the pole sufficient to secure the device.The pole is coupled to the trampoline, 301, so that the targetingcomponent's attachment is secure. The targeting component will generallybe of a soft, impact absorbing material, so that it may be more safelyemployed within a trampoline jump area. The targeting component may haveone or more extensions, 1603 and 1604 that may also branch out inmultiple directions. For example, some extension may extend much like aperson's arm might while waving with their hand above their elbow, thuscreating an extension with a 90 degree turn. Other extensions mayprotrude diagonally, downward or upward, and may also have additionaltargets attached of various shapes and sizes.

FIG. 17 shows a trampoline, 301, with an alternatively shaped safetypad, 1501, covering an enclosure pole 302. This embodiment shows rigidor semi rigid supports, 1503, spanning between enclosure poles, 302. Thesafety pad, 1501, is attached to these supports, 1503, by connectingmembers, 1502. The connecting members could be webbing straps, rope,wires, elastic straps, or even semi rigid hooks or other type ofattachment. Additionally, the top support members, 1503, may be rigidtubular members horizontally disposed. Although not shown, it is evidentthat such members, 1503, may be added between the other top portions ofthe vertical pole members such that they are encompass the entireperimeter of the enclosure wall.

While inventions have been described in connection with preferredembodiments, that description is not intended to limit the scope of theinventions to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents asmay be within the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined by theappended claims.

1. A trampoline system comprising: a rebounding surface; a frame havinga rail that is closed loop, that defines a central opening and that isconnected to the perimeter of the rebounding surface such that therebounding surface is suspended above the ground; a support member thatis attached to the frame and that extends to an elevation above therebounding surface; and a safety pad that is attached to the supportmember, the safety pad being at a location along the perimeter of therebounding surface and positioned such that at least 50% of the volumeof the safety pad is located inwardly of the rail as viewed from thetop.
 2. A trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein the safety padis positioned such that 100% of the volume of the safety pad is locatedinwardly of the support member.
 3. A trampoline system comprising: atrampoline including a rebounding surface supported by a frame; asupport member that is attached to the trampoline and that extends to anelevation above the rebounding surface; and a safety pad suspendedalongside the support member, the safety pad being positioned such that,when a user of the trampoline is projected toward the support member,the user impacts the safety pad, whereupon the safety pad rotates and/ormoves laterally relative to the support member in a manner that helps todeflect the user of the trampoline away from the support member.
 4. Atrampoline system according to claim 3, wherein the system furthercomprises plural support members that are attached to the trampoline andthat extend above the rebounding surface; and an expanse of flexiblematerial that is supported by the plural support members, that defines achamber above the rebounding mat, and that is positioned to serve as abarrier to prevent a user of the trampoline from falling off therebounding mat
 5. A trampoline system according to claim 4, wherein: thesafety pad is at least 2 feet in height; at least a portion of thesafety pad is at least 3 times wider than the support member measuredhorizontally; and the safety pad is positioned such that at least 50% ofthe volume of the safety pad is located in the area between the supportmember and the center of the chamber and such that, upon impact by auser, the safety pad partially revolves around the support member andlaterally redirects the user toward a portion of the, expanse offlexible material that extends between two of the plural supportmembers.
 6. A trampoline system according to claim 5, wherein the safetypad is positioned such, that 100% of the volume of the safety pad islocated in the area between the support member and the center of thechamber.
 7. A trampoline system according to claim 3, further comprisinga suspension system connected between an upper portion of the safety padand the support member, the suspension system being configured tosuspend the safety pad in such a position that an impact to a lowerportion of the safety pad causes the safety pad to swing like apendulum.
 8. A trampoline system according to claim 3, furthercomprising a tether system connected between a lower portion of thesafety pad and the support member or the trampoline, the tether systembeing configured to limit the degree to which the safety pad can swing.9. A trampoline system of claim 3, wherein; the safety pad has agenerally cylindrical outer surface portion; and the safety pad issuspended to rotate about the axis of the generally cylindrical outersurface portion.
 10. A trampoline system according to clam 9, furthercomprising a supplemental pad located between the safety pad and thesupport member to further protect a user from impact with the supportmember.
 11. A trampoline system according to claim further comprising asupplemental pad located between the safety pad and the support member,the supplement pad having a curved surface facing the safety pad, thecurved surface being configured to urge the safety pad to rotate when auser impacts the safety pad.
 12. A trampoline system according to claimwherein the safety pad is a bag, that contains a resilient material orone or more resilient members.
 13. A trampoline system according toclaim 12, wherein the safety pad is a bag that contains one or moregas-tight bladders containing gas, one or more liquid-tight bladderscontaining a liquid, or a combination thereof.
 14. A trampoline systemaccording to claim 3, further comprising a suspension system comprisingplural straps connected between an upper portion of the safety pad andthe support member.
 15. A trampoline system according to claim 14further comprising a tether system connected between a lower portion ofthe safety pad and the support member or the trampoline.
 16. Atrampoline system of claim 3, wherein the safety pad has a generallycylindrical outer surface portion.
 17. A trampoline system according toclaim 16, further comprising a supplemental pad located between thesafety pad and the support member.
 18. A trampoline system according toclaim 7, wherein the safety pad is a bag that contains a resilientmaterial or one or more resilient members.
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. Atrampoline system comprising: a rebounding surface; a frame having arail that is closed loop, that defines a central opening and that isconnected to the rebounding surface such that the rebounding surface issuspended above the ground; plural vertical support members that extendto an elevation above the rebounding surface including a first verticalsupport member having a connection point located at an elevation abovethe rebounding surface and a second vertical support member having aconnection point located at an elevation above the rebounding surface; ahorizontal support member that extends between the first and secondvertical support members and that is connected to the first and secondvertical support members at the connection points; and a safety pad thatis attached to the horizontal support member, the safety pad beingpositioned such that at least 50% of the volume of the safety pad islocated inwardly of the frame rail as viewed from the top.
 26. Thetrampoline system of claim 25 wherein: the trampoline system furthercomprises a safety enclosure wall that comprises an expanse of flexiblematerial that is coupled to the vertical support members and arranged todefine a jumping chamber; and the safety pad is entirely containedwithin the jumping chamber defined by the enclosure wall.